Lula at bilateral meeting with Putin: “Strengthening the construction of a strategic partnership”

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva held a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin this Friday, May 9, in Moscow. During the meeting, Lula addressed current international geopolitical challenges and emphasized the importance of fostering a productive strategic partnership between the two countries.

My visit aims to strengthen ties and renew efforts to build a strategic partnership with greater dedication. Brazil shares political, commercial, cultural, scientific, and technological interests with Russia. We are two great nations on opposite continents. As part of the Global South, we have an opportunity to significantly expand our commercial relationship at this historic moment.”
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of the Republic of Brazil

“My visit aims to strengthen ties and renew efforts to build a strategic partnership with greater dedication. Brazil shares political, commercial, cultural, scientific, and technological interests with Russia. We are two great nations on opposite continents. As part of the Global South, we have an opportunity to significantly expand our commercial relationship at this historic moment,” said Lula, who earlier took part in the ceremony celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory Day in World War II, held in Red Square."

TRADE BALANCE — The Brazilian president reaffirmed the country’s interest in promoting a more balanced bilateral trade relationship and expanding partnerships in areas such as energy, space, science and technology, and culture. In 2024, bilateral trade reached a historic record of USD 12.4 billion—a 9% increase compared to 2023. Exports totaled USD 1.4 billion (an 8% increase), while imports from Russia reached USD 11 billion (a 9% increase).

“Trade is currently highly unbalanced to Brazil’s disadvantage, but we recognize the significant potential for growth,” said President Lula. “We are interested in discussing cooperation in the defense, space, scientific and technological, and education sectors—and above all, in the energy sector.”

Brazilian exports to Russia are mainly composed of soybeans (33%), unroasted coffee (18%), and beef (18%). Imports are dominated by petroleum or bituminous mineral oils (57%) and chemical fertilizers (34%).

The Brazilian delegation included ministers Alexandre Silveira (Mines and Energy) and Luciana Santos (Science, Technology, and Innovation), as well as the president of the National Congress, Senator Davi Alcolumbre, and the second vice president of the Chamber of Deputies, Elmar Nascimento.

DIALOGUE — Brazil maintains an ongoing dialogue with Russia, a strategic partner within the frameworks of BRICS, the G20, and the United Nations. The meeting took place amid growing complexities in multilateral relations, marked by the resurgence of tariff wars and challenges to the status quo regarding national borders.